Windows XP Theming - A Tutorial by Aero

Before reading this please note that I am in no way responsible for any liabilities/damages to your computer. I have used every software that I list here and can assure you that they work, if used right. If anything goes wrong, uninstall it in safe mode or in the worst case reinstall windows.

Seeing that so many people every other day PM me or email me (after seeing my desktop screenshots) asking me questions like:

1) What program did you use?
2) Amazing themes/icons/cursor! You have to tell me how/where you got them!
3) Would it cost me a lot?
4) You changed your logon/boot screen? No way...
5) What are those things running on your desktop? Showing statistics/weather etc...
6) Whats that thing you have that Mac OSX also has...the dock for windows?
7) Where did you find that, can you send me the sites?
8) Will this screw up my windows and make it unusable!?

Well this is your lucky day, I found some time to write this tutorial out for those who want to theme and for those who just want to know a bit more about it.

Software:

So firstly, you wont get very far without the proper software to run it.

Theming

For themes the good one's that I know and strongly recommend are:

WindowsBlinds
StyleXP
DesktopX

Out of these three I have used Windows Blinds and StyleXP to their maximum capabilities. Why? Well mainly because they have the most themes and Im pretty sure most users out there use them, also because during my first theming I was recommended to use WindowsBlinds. This doesnt mean DesktopX is bad, I have used it before several times. A plus side with DesktopX is that it comes with everything in a package (eg. Widgets, Objects...dont worry Ill explain these later on in this tutorial), this way you wont have to download tons of other software.

Icons/Cursor

For changing icons you will find lots and lots of software, some great but some useless holding functions that I doubt the normal user would use.

The only one that I can remember now mainly because its all I use is:

IconPackager

IconPackager is great, its simple yet effective. It contains everything one would need to change the icons and cursors of your desktop. For Iconpackager you can also get packages which come in the form of .pkg, these open directly with IconPackager and change all your icons without you having to do it manually - brilliant in my opinion. A preview of the program would be:



Or you can use (only use this if you arent interested in icons):

CursorXP

Its pretty easy to use and has a freeware version, just find packages for it or get a zip file which contains all the icons for the cursor and drag it onto the original one. You can later save your package into a CursorXP package file and go to another computer to install it easily.

Logon Screens

To change your logon screen from the default Windows "Blue" one, there is one very simple program and the best part is that its free:

LogonStudio

And it looks like:



As you can see all you have to do is download some "logons" and double-click them and they will open with LogonStudio. Then just click apply, restart and enjoy the show.


Mac OSX type Dock

The dock that I use is ObjectDock, its freeware and straight forward to configure to the way you want. It supports drag and drop icons and you can change the icons if you want. You can choose to use it above, below, left, or right of the desktop, and if you have everything you need on it you even have the option of hiding the "Start" taskbar.

Boot Skinning

One of my favorite things to do is to change the black Windows XP screen with the blue bar going across...when you restart the computer...yes its possible to change that too!

One of the nicest softwares and free to use would be BootSkin

In use it looks like:



Pretty straightforward, like LogonStudio you just download the bootskin and double-click and it opens up in a flash. You can then preview it (dont worry it wont restart your computer), or apply it and restart to see the magic in action.

Widgets

Widgets are those little things that run on the desktop making your life just a little bit easier. The Software needed to run them is straight forward, easy
and free.

The main one that is the most famous is:

Yahoo Widgets (Formerly known as Konfabulator)

The other one is DesktopX as I mentioned above. DesktopX has its "own" kind of widgets so I sugest sticking with Yahoo Widgets as they have a gallery with thousands of widgets and new ones added everyday.

System Information, CPU/RAM Usage, Hard Drive space remaining etc...

Another important program that I use sometimes is SysMetrix. SysMetrix is a skinnable clock and metering application. Its purpose is to provide system metrics in a variety of interesting, useful, and cool ways. It can monitor and report on the hundreds of statistics. You can find skins for it which are either vertical or horizantal at your desktop's native resolution so that you can match it with your desktop just the way you want, and the configuration of the program is entertaining and very easy.

In use it looks like:




Where to find all the themes/icons/widgets and packages for the softwares:

There are two main sites that I visit for all my theming purposes:

WinCustomize.Org
And
Customize.Org

Both these sites have things for the software that I mentioned above. On the left there is a link to each of the software's where you see a gallery of things you can check out and download...you should easily find them.
These sites can get you all you need for: Wallpapers, WindowsBlinds, StyleXP, DesktopX, BootSkin, LogonScreen, ObjectDock, SysMetrix and tons of other software that I didnt mention above.

Widgets for:

Yahoo
DesktopX

==========================================================

Will this render my computer unusable? I have been asked this a lot too and have to say I havent ever faced any situation atleast not with the software above. Though make sure that your computer has atleast 512MB RAM to get a good effect. If you run a all of these programs simultaneously on say 128MB or 256MB be prepared for a "not so fast" computer . 1GB would be best.

Other Useful Links:

Turn your PC into a Mac (Looks Wise only!)
deviantART (Awesome site to get Wallpapers and a few things for some of the programs I mentioned above).

My Skinned Desktops - Check them out at http://www.panamix.net/Desktops/

Thats it I suppose, so Good Luck and have fun. If you have any questions feel free to PM me or Email me.

If you liked the tutorial feel free to rep me

This tutorial is copyrighted by me (Aero - http://www.panamix.net).

 

You are awesome Aero!! A+

I'm glad something like this is finally on this board. I personally think that a theme-based category would be great! But maybe I'm a minority.

Anyway, for lots of theme resources and downloads check out www.winmatrix.com...there's lots of great info there.

There are MANY widget/gadget programs...YWE (Konfab), Avedesk (AWESOME...very recommended), DesktopX, PodXP (I use it), and I'm sure more...

Avedesk and PodXP are great because they use very few resources. For instance, I'm using PodXP now with tons of pods and my mem usage is ~5mb!! That beats Yahoo by far and away. I hear Avedesk is similar in mem toll, but has more downloadable skins/objects.

You can apply MS Style themes to WindowsXP by downloading a patched "uxtheme.dll" file. This allows non-native Windows themes to be implemented in your computer. It's a free, legal solution for those who don't want the resource toll that WindowBlinds can bring.

Of course, in addition to Desktop Sidebar, which I highly recommend, there are a bunch of sidebars for windows.

There's much, much more to talk about when it comes to theming. One thing I don't like about the Winmatrix board is the readership isn't as great as I've seen in others (Notebook review ). With the great following and loyalty this board has, I would love to see great theme/app discussions. Because technology and software changes daily, I hope this tutorial can be adapted continuously. There are always more programs out there to try! Fire away!

P.S. As I said...with 1gig of ram, including all background programs and a web browser, I am only using 40% of my total physical RAM!! I'm a sucker for small footprints! Here is PodXP in action (I like tabs):

 

ttupa

wow! ****! i really like your xp style! i wish i can the same with yours!!!!

 

Firstly thanks! Im a fan of theming and I know that many othere are, some who have no idea of how to start or from where to get the sites. Thats basically why I wrote it.

Following on good post. www.winmatrix.com thats one I havent used in a long time, not much since I found www.customize.org . I havent used PodXP but have used AveDesk and its good, but I believe Yahoo is more well known and there site is more organized. I have 1GB RAM and even with yahoo widgets, and tons of other things running, im not overusing it. The Desktop Sidebar I cant comment much on having never used it though I dont like it personally...doesnt match the flow of the desktop if you know what exactly I mean.

I wrote this tutorial in about an hour thinking of everything I could as I wrote it. There are tons of things that I know I havent mentioned. I will be editing this continuosly with things as I remember and new things that I encounter.

P.S - I chose not to say anything about the uxtheme.dll patching as StyleXP basically does the same thing and as its much easier to install a software rather then replace a .dll file in safe mode etc. I know there is an automatic patcher but I would have to find it again .

My Skinned Desktops - Check them out at http://www.panamix.net/Desktops/

Qohelet you can ...Follow my tutorial.

Install WindowsBlinds, then go to http://www.wincustomize.com select WindowsBlinds from the left and search for Vista. Download the Skin you like and apply it (WindowsBlinds should do it automatically). You are all set from there onwards .

Regards

 

I agree, Aero, well written.

Everything on my desktop can be done with PodXP. You don't need to change your theme if you don't want to. However, WindowBlinds is easy and well organized for new users. It has a great following.

PodXP incorporates some shell modification if you so desire, so there is no need for another theme utility. You just have to tweak until it fits your vision. It doesn't nearly do everything possible though. That's why DX, WB, and StyleXP are so great. Their developers can put incredible amounts of code into their themes. They really go to the next level to bring some extremely creative themes!

DesktopX is a good program for desktops like mine. The reason is that it incorporates widgets, docks, gadgets and other objects into the shell alterations. One thing to mention is that Window Blinds is basically the ONLY way to get truly transparent, working borders around windows.

Theming is fun, safe (if done right), and looks great when done to taste.

 

ttupa

i like podxp!.. it's really nice. however, i got some questions that i think you can answer..
1. how did you do the recycle bin thing? i tried it but the graphics is not good.

2. how did you hide the defautl recycle bin icon.?

3. i went to podxp and dowloaded their miniplayer (in Ral file). but when i tried to install it by drad and drop in podxp control panel, it say "file format not supported." whats the problem? have you experienced this?

thanks!

 

Hi,

I haven't tried miniplayer yet, so I can't be of help there.

I used a vista icon packager that I believe I found on wincustomize.com's forum. Just google Vista Icon Pack and install. The instructions are great...if the icon doesn't look good that big I might be able to direct you to a different one.

To hide the recycle bin follow these directions. You'll have the option to show it or hide it in folder options. (I'm not responsible for improper registry alterations...do so at your own risk

First copy the following colored lines starting with "regedit 4" to the notepad. Save the file as "binopt.reg". Then double click and say yes you do want to add the lines to the registry. From then on you will have the option in "Folder Options" to show or hide the icon. Then you can make a new icon with podxp.

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\RecycleBinOnDesktop]
"RegPath"="Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\HideDesktopIcons\\NewStartPanel"
"Text"="Show Recycle Bin icon on the desktop"
"Type"="checkbox"
"ValueName"="{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}"
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000000
"UncheckedValue"=dword:00000001
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000001
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001

Good luck! This is a fairly new program, but it is supported well by its creator.

 

To Hide the Recycle Bin (Note: Windows XP Home Edition does not support this):
I strongly suggest you dont do the registry trick if you have XP professional...In University I have learnt an ever easier trick.

1) Go to start, run, type gpedit.msc
2. Under User Configuration, click Administrative Templates, and then double-click Desktop.
3. Double-click Remove Recycle Bin icon from the desktop.
4. Click the Setting tab, click Enabled, and then click OK.

For Windows XP Home Edition:

Either the registry trick as ttupa mentioned above or go to http://www.tweakxp.com/tweakutility/download.aspx download the program, install it, and uncheck the "display recycle bin" box. You can also customize tons of other things in Windows easily with this program. Definitely worth a tryout atleast.

Through this way its easier, safer and undoable without a problem. Try it.

 

Nice job aero. I think I will try out a few of these programs.
Tim

 

Could you recommend a good desktop clock utility? Analog or digital doesn't matter.

 

lefty Supremacist

try clockx. it's a good desktop clock utility. just google it.

ttupa

thanks for your answer. i figured out already how to install the miniplayer in podxp. the problem is that its a rar file so i need to extract it first. so i just google some rar file extractor, dowload, and install. now it's working good!

 

i tried this but it didn't work! maybe i'ts not gpedit.msc... please check.

 

SysMetrix or use Yahoo widgets

SysMetrix is more detail while widgets is clean and simple and the Yahoo Program comes with some digital and analog clocks that you can use.

 

Which Windows XP version do you have?

Edited my other post about the gpedit.msc give it another read .

Thanks

 

Download Yahoo widgets. There is a digital and analog clock that come with the download. Also object dock has an analog clock.

 

Thanks a lot. Sysmetrix is pretty... and shiny.

 

Welcome

 

using podxp i have this elegant looking screen!(at least for me )

 

this is my screen!

 

In PodXP I found a way to change the little icon in the tabs. You have to edit the file in the specific skin folder, and change the .png icon to something of your liking.

I've simplified a bit since my last ss.

 

Your screen is to complicated for me , mainly because I like simple yet elegant

Though whatever suits you is good lol.

@Ttupa: Perhaps I should try PodXP?

 

Hey are0sense,

Thanks for your guide man, I have a Apple look now and it's great! Thanks mate... By the way I love that smiley with Firefox and IE

Charlie-Peru

 

Hey hitman,

No problem on the Guide...Yeh I have done that Apple look too but now I just tri-boot with apple, windows and linux so I dont need to make my windows look like that

the smiley is indeed hilarious

regards

 

aerosense,

i changed my theme again! i found this software that can change your xp into a complete vista look. see pictures below...

 

I know those there is also FlyAkiteOSX for making XP to look like a Mac OS X.
But I dont recommend those.

Looks good though .

 

The good thing about using the software i used in changing my xp style is that it doesn't take extra resources since it is just using the built in microsoft theme loader. but if i am using something like windows blinds, it will take up extra resources since it is working on top of window.

but of course if you have a lot of extra resources, it could pose no problem!

 

I like my computer to be clean and simple. I'd most have a heart attack if I tried to use any of the themes posted above. Too many windows displaying trivial things that I'd never check on my own. If anything, my taskbar is my clock and CPU monitor, as well as my email alerter and all of that other nifty stuff. I'm rather proud of the look i've acheived.

Patched uxtheme.dll, of course. I use the theme "Soul Luna Remix Two" from InterfaceLift.com. I also use a majority of Vista Icons with a few custom ones from all over the place thrown into places I felt needed to "fit" better. My background's from DigitalBlasphemy.com, and matches perfectly, I think. I keep all of my progams in the start menu, as I like to keep my desktop clean. Voila!

Mike

Edit: Inline pics bog down the page. Doh. I shall attach.

 

And a few more...

Mike

 

Aer0, when you said you don't recommend those did you mean FlyAKite OSX, the Vista one, or just complete makeover programs in general?

 

@Falseperc: Yeh you are more my "type" of themer, if you have a quick look at my desktops http://www.panamix.net/Desktops/ you will see im a simple type of person too.

@Reize: I dont recommend programs that do the whole "thing" basically.

 

WHY???

 

Well lets just say,

Pros
1) They get the job done without a hassle.
2) Its pretty and has everything already in it so you wont need to download different softwares.

Cons
1) Personal experience has led me to reinstall windows (no start bar no matter what I do?)
2) They are nearly impossible to uninstall and you will be lucky if system restore made a recovery point right before you installed it. Though I do think FlyAkiteOSX does make one while installing or atleast it backs up the files. Though even its backup and system restore were useless.
3) It alters system files so that it looks like a Perfect Vista.
4) When you do get bored of it, which Im sure you will very soon (like I do) you will regret installing it.
5) Plus it uses slightly more ram - also based on personal experience.

 

I put FlyaKite on my old desktop and now on my old laptop and it for some reason makes them both run faster.. Odd...

A significant increase as well..

 

i had the same experience before when i was still using flykite. i got bored with it, however, so i uninstall. now i'm using bricopack vista inspirat. it's cool!

 

reply to cons
1) what program did you use? i'm using now bricopacks vista inspirat. i have the start bar working well.
2) yes nearly hard to unistall but not impossible. When i unistalled flyakite (the prog i used before), some of its components were not uninstalled but it doesn't affect the overall perfomance of my OS. I used a program, however, called unlocker ( http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/) which help completely removed any trace of Flyakite. i haven't tried to uninstall my vista inspirat so i can't comment on that yet.
3) i'm sure i'll get bored of it considering the fact that i have tried so many theming program! but i don't think i will regret installing it. but lets see... if it gives me problem then i'm sure i will regret installing it... but so far it's very satisfying..
4) i don't think it uses slightly more ram... the performance of my os after installation of vista inspirat has not change... i think it's because this program, as i said in my last reply, uses the built in windows theme loader. it only changes dll.

 

Aero - PodXP is good for newbs because it's relatively easy to set up. Plus, it looks great after some tweaking. However, there are downsides; like the fact that there just isn't much out there to modify this relatively new program.

All-in-ones are nice because they do eveything you need (again...good for beginners). If you back up, maybe make a restore point, and know what you are installing there should be no problem.

YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!!

I know it's easy to install things, but a lot of the time if you don't follow them you will PAY.

Other than that, have fun. There's SOOOOO much out there to help modify OS's.

 

Only one thing missing in the guide is uxtheme.dll hack and after this u will not need to spend money even for windowsblinds or style XP.

 

why do a painstaking job of using so many programs if there's program out there that can do it with no hassle? yeah good for beginners...

 

I mentioned the uxtheme.dll patch. This will take the place of StyleXP. However, NOTHING will take the place of Window Blinds. That program does a lot that you can't get with visual styles...like real transparency. The same goes for DesktopX. They do a lot more for shell replacement than visual themes can.

You're right gohelet, these are great programs. But some people like changing their desktop so frequently, that one program almost seems like cheating. If you just want a change, and are happy with that, then more power to you. It's not for everyone though.

 

Ok quickly there is tons to reply to here...and little time on my hands

So will reply properly tonight as well as update the tutorial.

 

is shell replacement too much for the average user? while xp's built in theme manager takes up less resources than adding windowblinds, it is still a bit of a resource hog. (i work with digital audio and have always seen recommendations to shut it off) i have tried shell replacement using http: www.sharpe-shell.org and found it to not affect performance much at all. and being able to replace the start bar with more personizable & useful stuff is very cool. (fyi i dunno if that can be done with any thememanagers so correct me if i'm wrong)

 

Shell replace is actually a very easy task with the automatic theme patcher that Ill add to the tutorial when I have some time probably tonight.

And expect much more things to be added aswell.

 

www.astonshell.com

sweetest themes and they are made easy with the shell replacement

 

Hey! That looks cool! You got to show me where you got those programs from!!

---- No, I'm just kidding....

 

Ok so Windows Blinds you get from www.win.... :p

 

lol That's funny. It's like when some people read the first post and make a reply w/out reading the whole thread...which is no big deal...but I felt like mentioning it...

 

I use a hacked uxtheme.dll file. It's small, inefficient, and doesn't waste valuable memory like WindowsBlinds and StyleXP does. Deviantart and Neowin feature a billion themes that you can use with it.

 

aero, can i know what you used for your feb and march desktop? thanks

 

Yes biiscit Ill be posting about that when I update the tutorial later tonight. There will be lots of new things and additions such as new sites, Intereseting themes, "Style Packs" aswell...

@magicdud:

February:
IconPackager Icon Pack Called Vista Icons High PX: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6884
WindowsBlinds theme: VistaXP (hard to find as Microsoft asked the creator to remove it from all public sites)...for other Vista themes check www.wincustomize.org
Wallpaper: Bliss for Vista XP...google "Bliss" for it and you will find it

March:
StyleXP Theme: Nano
Icons: Also Nano by the same creator.
Wallpaper: From a theme called Splitfire

They are all available at www.customize.org .


And the dock on the top is ObjectDock which I mentioned in the tutorial.

Enjoy and do post your desktop if you theme it .

 

i was about to post a tutorial on "how to hacked uxtheme.dll" but i stopped myself! i realized that this is your thread, so it might be disrepectful to post a tutorial... thus, i'm looking forward to your tutorial!